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Thanks to the suitable geographical location and weather, Thailand possesses numerous stunning beaches and unique culture, but the nature of Thailand attracts visitors the most with lush tropical rainforests, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking mountain ranges. With over 150 national parks to choose from, Thailand is a paradise for those who enjoy exploring mountains, wildlife, and natural landscapes.
Top National Parks in Thailand for Outdoor Enthusiasts. (Source: The Thai Marine)
In July 2021, Kaeng Krachan National Park was honorably recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it is the largest national park in Thailand, with an area of over 2900 km square.
This heritage site will be your first choice if you want to see hundreds of bird species as well as mammals, including elephants, leopards, gibbons, bears, and deer. Located near the border of Myanmar, Kaeng Krachan offers a diverse ecosystem, in which visitors can experience adventure through deep forest trekking or canoeing on rivers winding through rainforests.
Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi. (Source: airasia Play)
Suggested for you: Trekking Tours Thailand
With a height of 2565 meters above sea level and 186 square miles spanning the northern province of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon is not only the highest mountain but also one of the largest mountains in Thailand.
Being at the high point, the temperatures are cool throughout the year, and in the cool season, the temperatures may drop low enough for frost to form.
This ideal spot also offers mountainous viewpoints, waterfalls, and a richness in biodiversity for nature photography and ecotourism.
Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai. (Source: Thai National Parks)
Undoubtedly, Khao Sok National Park is a must-see destination for those who travel in southern Thailand. Located in Surat Thani Province, Khao Sok National Park, home to the largest area of virgin forest and a remnant of one of the oldest rainforests in the world, is one of the most charming spots in Thailand.
Renowned for numerous wild animals (including elephants, deer, macaques, and gibbons) and the rare Rafflesia kerrii plant (with huge flowers and a pungent smell), this park offers a pristine tropical rainforest and stunning limestone mountains.
Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani. (Source: PlacesofJuma)
One special spot in Khao Sok National Park is Cheow Lan Lake, a large artificial lake with emerald-green waters, in which one can kayak, take boat trips, and enjoy vibrant sunsets.
Also, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khao Yai National Park draws visitors by its wide area and age, which makes it one of the largest and oldest national parks in Thailand.
Escaping from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to join a 3-hour driving trip to Nakhon Ratchasima, you may witness an abundance of wildlife and evergreen forests. Home to many rare wild animals, such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and hundreds of bird species, Khao Yai is a must-visit point for those who are nature lovers or simply photography enthusiasts.
Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima. (Source: Thai National Parks)
Apart from the wildlife, trekking paths in Khao Yai will also lead you through lush green forests, waterfalls, and expansive grasslands.
Located along southern Thailand’s coast, Khao Sam Roi Yot is a national park with stunning landscapes featuring limestone mountains (caves), coastal marshes, pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and many nature viewpoints.
If you deeply want to know the meaning of this spot, it will cause ambiguity in the origin of the name Khao Sam Roi Yot, while it translates as the “Mountain with Three Hundred Peaks.”
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan. (Source: Shutterstock)
One of the main attractions of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is Phraya Nakhon Cave, which houses a small temple illuminated by sunlight, creating a magnificent scene.
If you want to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature, Tarutao should be on your bucket list. As one of the first marine parks in Thailand, this spot is well-known for its area of around 540 square miles and more than 50 islands (featuring tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, and diverse coral reefs), which offers unspoiled beauty and majestic natural landscapes in the province of Satun.
Tarutao National Park in Satun. (Source: Unsplash)
This spot also served as a prison camp for political prisoners in the 1940s, adding an intriguing historical layer for tourists.
Located in Kanchanaburi Province, Erawan National Park is truly a picturesque treasure with the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall. The name of Erawan Waterfall originated from the three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology.
Pay a visit to this majestic hidden gem; you can swim amid its natural beauty, surrounded by the seven-tiered falls and emerald ponds. This spot also offers a perfect place to soak in the cool waters or stroll along the shaded trekking paths.
Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi. (Source: The Lost Passport)
Ao Phang Nga incorporates parts of the Phang Nga coastline but is best known for the islands and limestone karsts that form the dramatic seascape of Phang Nga Bay.
Even visitors who haven’t been here may recognize the islands of Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu, which famously featured in the 1974 James Bond movie, The Man With the Golden Gun. The bay is also home to the floating Muslim village of Ko Panyee.
If you’re staying in Phang Nga town, Khao Lak, Krabi, or Phuket, day trips to Phang Nga Bay can easily be arranged. Taking a tour that includes sea kayaking is an ideal way to explore the mangrove system.
Ao Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga. (Source: Freepik)
As a country with incredibly diverse and abundant natural sightseeing, Thailand makes itself an ideal spot for those who truly enjoy exploration and adventure. With those top national parks in Thailand, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in amazingly natural settings, from mountains and lush forests to beaches and abundant wildlife. Book your ticket now and join Asia King Travel on the journey to explore the nature of Thailand.
Suggested for you: Off the beaten track Thailand
